A Study of Caste Dynamics and Identity Reclamation in Yashica Dutt’s Coming Out as Dalit

Rajiv Katoch; Pardeep Kumar; Arun Kumar

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.83869

A Study of Caste Dynamics and Identity Reclamation in Yashica Dutt’s Coming Out as Dalit

Author(s)	Dr. Rajiv Katoch, Dr. Pardeep Kumar, Mr. Arun Kumar
Country	India
Abstract	Indian Constitution establishes India as a Democratic state which guarantees equality, liberty, and justice for its citizens. However, lived realities of the twenty-first century starkly contrast with constitutional values. According to the reports of the National Crime Records Bureau, approximately fifty thousand cases of caste-based discrimination and atrocities are filed every year, which underscores the deep-rooted issue of caste system that adversely affects the lives of 200 million Dalit. Caste is a unique feature of Indian society and is structured on the concept of Chaturvana which demarcates individuals into the hierarchical order of Brahmin (Priest), Kshatriya (Warriors), Vaishya (Businessman), and Shudra (Labourer) by birth. Outside this social order remain the 'Asparashya', 'Antyaja', and 'Chandala' who are known as untouchables, considered inferior and impure beings and also forced to live a life of utter humiliation and exploitation under subjugation of Swarnas. However, this discriminatory and inhuman structure has been rigorously challenged by social reformers like Phule, Ambedkar, and Periyar who advocated for an inclusive society founded on the principles of Equality, Liberty, and Fraternity. In this context, the present paper critically explores the dynamics of Caste in Yashica Dutt's Coming Out as a Dalit: A Memoir, that challenges the hegemonic Brahminic discourse consisting of discriminatory practices and dogmatic beliefs. It will use the writings and speeches of Dr. Ambedkar, Phule, and Periyar as a theoretical framework to examine her lived experience of facing caste discrimination and the stigma of untouchability in the contemporary world. It will also shed light on her journey of reclaiming true Dalit self, serves as an act of self- assertion and resistance against the caste hierarchy and hegemony.
Keywords	Caste, Dalit, Brahminic discourse, Self-Assertion, Resistance, Identity
Field	Sociology > Linguistic / Literature
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On	2025-11-10
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.83869

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A Study of Caste Dynamics and Identity Reclamation in Yashica Dutt’s Coming Out as Dalit

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